When to plant leek in zone 6a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Start indoors Feb 5 · Transplant Apr 16 · First harvest Jul 25 · Wrap by Sep 19

Last spring frostApr 30

Start seeds indoorsFeb 5

Transplant outApr 16

First harvestJul 25

Last harvestSep 19

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 frost-free days. Leek tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 12 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does leek take to grow in zone 6a?

Leek matures in about 100–120 days from transplanting. In zone 6a that means setting plants out around Apr 16 and first picking around Jul 25.

Will leek survive frost in zone 6a?

Yes — leek tolerates light frost. In zone 6a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Apr 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full leek growing guide →